I would say it's not speaking against the intel agencies. The intelligence community protects us from many threats (terrorists, foreign organized crime, etc.).

I would say it's not speaking against the intel agencies. The intelligence community protects us from many threats (terrorists, foreign organized crime, etc.). However, they are human, and make mistakes in the name of self-preservation, zeal for their mission, and in some cases greed. The intel agencies of different countries act as checks and balances against each other, to some degree. In some countries there are enough different intel agencies that they act as checks and balances against each other. However, the voice of the public is a great additional check on their behavior, especially when amplified by mainstream media and social media. Our elected officials want to be re-elected. Many will change their tune if they feel there is enough outcry that it might affect their poll numbers. And this is the only legal way to effect change in many countries.